Energy News

Brits don’t want to foot the bill for smart meters

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

By Hazel Cottrell - hazel@consumerchoices.co.uk

The government’s energy efficiency plans, including the roll-out of smart meters, could add £548 a year to household bills, but Brits don’t want to pay.

Government plans to secure the UK’s long-term energy supplies, reduce carbon emissions and roll-out smart meters are expected to cost £233.5billion, but consumers are unwilling to foot the bill.

The plans could add £548 a year to household bills for the next 15 years, according to Ernst & Young.

However, research by uSwitch.com has found that Brits are not willing to cough up this much cash for energy-saving measures.

It found that 36% would be willing to see their bills increase by up to £100 a year to meet the investment costs, but this is £448 less than what is potentially required.

Nearly a third of the 5,090 people asked said they didn’t care about carbon emissions and would rather keep bills lower. The research also found that 57% of people didn’t know what a smart meter was.

Will Marples of uSwitch.com, said: “The switch to smart meters could be a disaster unless people fully understand the reasoning behind the move and how it will benefit them in the long run.”

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Energychoices.co.uk, said: “Smart meters are designed to help you see your energy consumption more clearly and thus help you to reduce it.

“However, you can get a head start on reducing your energy costs now by following our top 10 energy efficiency tips.”

The results of the government’s recent consultation on smart meters are expected to be released soon.